Blog Posts

Essential Moldova

6 Day Tour, from £799 per person

This new individual itinerary is based in Moldova's quirky capital of Chisinau and takes a series of day trips out to give you a taste of this tiny country. An ideal holiday to Moldova for the first time visitor and we are sure that this small country will not leave you untouched and will amaze you by its beauty.

Moldova was known as the vineyard of the former Soviet Union and, given the quality of Moldovan wine, it is easy to see why. Included in this itinerary is a trip to Cricova, where a fascinating world of underground wine storage awaits. Close to Chisinau lies the spectacular Orheiul Vechi cave monastery. Orthodox monks carved out the monastery in the 13th century and today a handful of monks are slowly restoring the caves. Explore Tiraspol the self proclaimed independent republic, a city seemingly lost in time with its Soviet-era atmosphere boasting Lenin statues and Soviet street names.

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1

FLY TO CHISINAU

Fly to Chisinau and transfer to the hotel for five nights. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

DAY 2

CHISINAU

Enjoy a free day in Chisinau to explore at leisure or book optional excursions. Chisinau is often referred to as Small Rome as it lies over seven hills. However, the similarity ends there. Tree-lined boulevards and numerous parks make Chisinau feel more like a sleepy provincial capital than the Eternal City. There are plenty of excellent restaurants, all offering varieties of Moldova's national treasure - wine! (B)

DAY 3

CRICOVA

Today visit the Cricova Winery, where the tour explores the old traditions of wine-making in the area. Cricova was once the site of a huge network of underground mines and, after the Second World War, it was decided that they should be emptied of mining detritus and converted to wine storage. Journey through the underground streets of this wine city on the electric train with names such as Cabernet Street, Pinot Noir Street etc. There are special tasting halls where you will try various brands of wine and small snacks. (B)

DAY 4

TIRASPOL

Today visit the capital of Trans-Dniestr, a self proclaimed independent republic which has dreams of joining Russia. Located 40 miles southeast of Chisinau in the Nistru Valley, Tiraspol is considered to be a living museum of Soviet culture. With a population of 200,000 the city still has its share of Lenin statues, monuments like a T-34 tank on a pedestal and retained street names such as Lenin Street. During this city tour you will see the Pokrov Church (Intercession of the Virgin), the Republican Drama and Comedy Theatre, Central Post office, the Lenin and Suvorov Monuments, Kirov Square and the ruins of the Bender Fortress (on the outskirts of town). (B)

DAY 5

ORHEIUL VECHI

Today journey to Orheiul Vechi, an historical monastery complex, situated 40 miles from Chisinau on the site of the Moldovan medieval city Orhei. Visit the 19th-century Adormirea Maicii Domnului Church, see the remains of the Geto-Dacian fortress, a functioning cave monastery, as well as the ruins of the old Turkish bath. Also included is a traditional lunch in a typical 19th-century Moldovan house, where you can sample some traditional Moldovan cuisine. (B,L)

DAY 6

DEPARTURE

In the morning there is the option to visit an orphanage in Chisinau. Even with the small population of Moldova there are over 11,600 children institutionalized in orphanages many with no relatives and an uncertain future. Transfer to the airport for the flight to the UK. (B)

Pricing Information

6 day tour, from £799 per person

(Single person supplement + £150)

Price Includes

Return flights in economy class with Wizz Air from Luton or Air Moldova from Gatwick

All airport taxes and security charges

Accommodation in three-star hotel with breakfast

Meals as specified (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

All transfers

Sightseeing with English-speaking guide as specified

Entrance fees on sightseeing tours

Price Excludes

Travel insurance

Tips and gratuities

Any meals not mentioned

Price Notes

Single supplement: £150

Tour Route Map

Moldova, Chisinau

Moldova, Cricova

Moldova, Tiraspol

Moldova, Orhei Vechi

Image Gallery

Click on images to enlarge

Why Regent Holidays?

Regent Holidays has been pioneering travel experiences to a wide range of unique and off-the-beaten track destinations since 1970. Our award-winning team of experts will offer you unparalleled advice when it comes to finding your perfect holiday and take you to places that other tour operators can’t.

At Regent Holidays we offer a personal service and use our expert knowledge of destinations to ensure you have an unforgettable experience. From booking to travelling, our Travel Specialists will be with you every step of the way and are on hand to answer any questions you may have.